Theme: The Space Between

What happens in the space between who we are and who we could be? Between starting and succeeding, failing and learning, feeling and transforming?

At TEDxJesusandMary Youth, we explore The Space Between — the often overlooked moments of becoming. This year’s speakers bring bold, personal, and forward-thinking ideas that reflect the complex terrain of growth, innovation, and identity.

From building businesses at a young age to redefining emotional strength, from questioning whether personality is born or built, to understanding how AI is reshaping our society — each talk reveals what’s possible when we pay attention to what’s in between.

In a world moving fast, The Space Between reminds us that real change happens not at the extremes, but in the tension, transition, and transformation between them.

Join us for a day of insight, reflection, and discovery — and leave with ideas worth spreading.

Jesus and Mary Ruby Theater - Cornet Chehwan
Main Road, Rabweh, Cornet Chehwan
Ruby Theater
Rabweh, Mont-Liban, 0000
Lebanon

Antoine Sarkis

Student at Jesus & Mary

Antoine Sarkis — a student advocating for a skill we all need: financial literacy. As a Second Secondary student at Jesus and Mary School, Antoine is shedding light on a topic often overlooked in education. In his TEDx talk, he explores why financial literacy is no longer optional—especially for a generation stepping into an increasingly complex economic world. Get ready to rethink the way you manage, understand, and value money.

Carl Chattat

Student at Jesus & Mary

Carl Chattat — a student with a passion for genuine human connection. At Jesus and Mary School, Carl lives and breathes social interaction, seeing each moment as an opportunity to connect. In a world of quick greetings and fleeting encounters, he reminds us that first impressions matter—and that every small gesture can be the start of something meaningful. At TEDx, Carl will speak about the power of presence, the art of breaking the ice, and how every interaction holds the potential to spark lasting friendships.

Fouad Boustany

Self Development Coach & Influencer | Mentally Great

Fouad Boustani — also known as Mentally Great. A self-development influencer with a deep passion for mindset and spirituality, Fouad shares a transformative journey rooted in authenticity. From being bullied at 17 to chasing external validation through success and appearance, it was a single moment of stillness—and a powerful message to “open your heart”—that redefined his path. At TEDx, Fouad will explore how true richness lies within, and how each of us can reconnect with that inner truth.

Gabriel Owayjan

Student at Jesus & Mary/ Computer Science Club President

Gabriel Owajian — a voice of caution in the age of AI. Artificial Intelligence is evolving fast—and while it’s built on public data with safety measures in place, Gabriel warns that these systems aren’t as secure as we think. In his TEDx talk, he’ll reveal how techniques like web scraping and prompt engineering can bypass safeguards and put personal data at risk. Join Gabriel as he exposes the hidden vulnerabilities of AI—and why awareness is our first line of defense.

Jason Azzi

Student at Jesus & Mary / CEO of ReFramed Clothing

Jason Azzi — cofounder of ReFramed and a full-time student with a passion for entrepreneurship. Starting a business is one challenge—keeping it alive is another. In his TEDx talk, Jason opens up about the realities that come after the launch: the pressure, the unpredictability, and the lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks. He’ll share his journey of balancing high school with building a brand, offering real insight into what it takes to start—and sustain—a hustle at a young age.

Karl Dagher

Student at Jesus & Mary

Karl Dagher — a student with a passion for understanding the human mind. As an IB DP1 student at Jesus & Mary School, Karl is driven by a deep curiosity about human behavior and the choices that shape our lives. In his TEDx talk, he takes on one of psychology’s oldest and most debated questions: Is personality something we’re born with, or is it molded by experience? Join Karl as he challenges assumptions and invites us to rethink how we become who we are.

Maria Bechara

Student at Jesus & Mary

Maria Bechara — a speaker redefining the meaning of failure. From an early age, we’re taught to fear failure—to see it as something to avoid. But for Maria, failure became the greatest teacher. In her TEDx talk, she challenges the stigma surrounding setbacks and asks a powerful question: What if the thing we fear most is actually the key to our growth? Join Maria as she explores how embracing failure can unlock resilience, self-awareness, and lasting success.

Valeria Bcassini

Student at Broummana High School

Valeria Bcassini — a young explorer of identity and the brain. Still in the process of discovering who she is, Valeria stumbled upon a fascinating psychological truth: our brains often blur the lines between our past, present, and future selves. This phenomenon, known as temporal compression, can make growth, change, and even self-understanding feel out of reach. In her TEDx talk, Valeria unpacks how this mental shortcut shapes our identity—and how we can reconnect with every version of ourselves.